Judge Dissuades Robber From Seeking Prison for Medical Help.

BEATRICE, Neb. (AP) A Nebraska man who robbed a bank with the goal of receiving medical treatment in prison has been asked by a judge to consider probation instead.

The Beatrice Daily Sun reports that 54-year-old Terry L. Bailes appeared in Gage County District Court on Wednesday to be sentenced for attempted robbery.

Court records indicate Bailes developed a hand condition that prevents him from doing simple tasks. He says the condition lead to him losing his job and then his home.

Court records show Bailes asked a teller to call authorities when he demanded money from the bank in October. Bailes says he has no family, and that going to prison might be the only way he could get medical attention.

Judge Rick Schreiner delayed the sentencing Wednesday and encouraged Bailes to consider probation. The judge says he doesn’t “believe prison is for the poor and homeless.”